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Southampton seal Lovren deal

Southampton have announced the signing of Lyon defender Dejan Lovren on a four-year-contract.

The 23-year-old becomes Mauricio Pochettino's first signing of the off-season after helping the French side achieve qualification for next term's UEFA Champions League.

Lovren moves to St Mary's Stadium for an undisclosed fee, and was quick to express his excitement at joining a club with ambitions to move up the Premier League table following a strong first season back in the top-flight.

"I've spoken a lot with the chairman and the coach, and this is a great project," he told the club's official website.

"They told me a lot of positive things, and I know the history of the club. It’s a big club and I'm very happy that I can be a part of it.

"After three-and-a-half years in France, it was a dream to play in the Premier League. Now the dream has come true.

"I have it in my mind to do something big, and I see the same thing in the club."

Lovren made 24 appearances for Lyon in all competitions last campaign, scoring one goal.

He will hope to help shore up a Southampton defence that conceded 60 goals last term, as Pochettino aims to stabilise the club as a permanent fixture in the Premier League.

The Argentinian added: "We are very happy because Dejan is a very good player with good potential.

"In pre-season it's important to have all players working together, so (Lovren's signing) is a very good job by the chairman and all of the staff at the club."